The scientific breakthrough that could cure IBD

Those who suffer from IBD experience all too often the painful symptoms of abdominal cramping, bowel problems, diarrhoea, and even bleeding from the rectum. However, a new study has discovered the distinct group of cells in the immune system that induces IBD, serving as a starting-point for new treatments to cure the disease.

There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The latter only affects the colon and rectum, while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gut.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, raises the possibility that the cells, a type of effector CD4 T cell, could be behind other disorders in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.

A doctor in your pocket.1:22

Although scientists know that IBD is an autoimmune disease caused by a faulty immune response, it has remained unclear as to the exact nature of the cells involved and the mechanisms of action.

For example, the study’s lead author, Professor Laurie E. Harrington, note that while CD4 T cells “are causally linked to autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders,” there is no previous information on what specific cell features are involved.

To conduct the study, researchers used a mouse model of colitis - inflammation of the inner lining of the colon - which they then identified a “discrete population of effector CD4 T cells that is able to both sustain and confer intestinal inflammation.”

They then transplanted the cells into healthy mice, and found it triggered and perpetuated IBD, in which they were continually replenishing “interferon-gamma-producing cells in the inflamed intestine.”

A final set of experiments identified an enzyme called glycosyltransferase that seems to switch on these features in the effector CD4 T cells.

According to Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, IBD is becoming more prevalent in Australia, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people aged between five and 40. Almost 75,000 Australians have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and this number is projected to increase to 100,000 by 2022.

Although living with IBD can be discouraging, research is ongoing and the outlook is improving.

To confirm diagnosis of IBD, seek medical help from your doctor who will take your blood test to check for anaemia or infection, or ask you to provide a stool sample.